dark-green-illustration-2

How to make an outdoor fire pit

dark-green-illustration-6.png?w=635&h=1024&scale
dark-green-illustration-3-1.png?w=1024&h=563&scale
roya-ann-miller-Rdsc2L517iQ-unsplash-scaled

Sitting around an outdoor fire pit in the garden, with family and friends, is magical, no matter what time of year. The good news is that it is easy to make a fire pit whatever your budget. In this blog, we’ll show you some fire pit ideas and look at the key things to consider when designing an outdoor fire pit for the home. 

How a fire pit can transform your outdoor living space

Firepit design with lounging sofas
Firepit area by Gardens by Keltie & Clark

The right fire pit design can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming retreat, perfect for gathering with family and friends all year round, whether you’re enjoying a late summer evening or a crisp autumn night.

An outdoor fire pit can come in many shapes and sizes and can be designed completely around you and your lifestyle. At Gardens by Keltie and Clark, we have created many outdoor fire pits; our fire pit ideas range from simple brick structures to more extravagant designs that resemble outdoor fireplaces. Here’s what to think about when building an outdoor fire pit…

Choosing the right location for your outdoor fire pit

There are a few things to consider when choosing a location for your fire pit, both from a safety and an enjoyment perspective. 

Firstly, make sure that the fire pit is not too close to a building, fencing, or tall or overhanging trees. This is obviously a big safety feature, but it also allows for better airflow around the fire. A question that many people ask is how to stop a fire pit from smoking – with a better airflow, the smoke will be drawn upwards through the chimney, rather than straight out onto you and your guests! This also helps to prevent smoke smells from entering your home or contaminating other areas of your garden.

When considering the location of your fire pit, it is also important to consider where you envisage yourself using it most. Do you want to be able to sit back and see the stars, or do you want to create a cosy hidden space where you can forget about the stress of the day and take some time out? Or do you want to make your outdoor fire pit a focal point around which you can entertain family and friends?

 

Fuelling your fire pit

Firepit design by Cheltenham landscape garden designers
Gardens by Keltie & Clark – Cheltenham

When considering how to make an outdoor fire pit, you need to look at how you will fuel it. Traditional fire pits use wood or coals for their fuel source, perfect if you want to enjoy a crackling open fire in the great outdoors. 

With properly seasoned and dried wood and coal, getting a fire going is simple. Do bear in mind, however, that you will need to light your fire pit in advance so that the smoke dissipates before you sit down to enjoy it. You will also need to think about where you will store your fuel and how you will keep your fuel supply regularly topped up.

A more modern approach is to use gas, which can be supplied in two ways: a canister or a connection to the main gas in your home. Gas fire pits offer the convenience of being easy to light and extinguish; they also offer immediate heat with a consistent and controllable flame and a smoke-free experience. Ideal if you prefer your fires instant and hassle-free. 

 

Fire pit ideas for year-round enjoyment

ben wicks 9ZY39bu3puE unsplash

Outdoor fire pits aren’t just for the summer months. A well-designed fire pit area can become the heart of your garden, offering warmth and a focal point for your enjoyment throughout the year. Here’s how:

1. Make it accessible

The key to getting the most out of  your fire pit is to make sure that it is easily accessible at all times. Create a cosy seating area around your fire pit – consider building stone or brick benches around it and adorn them with weatherproof cushions and cosy throws. Or opt for a decorative curved wooden bench or a couple of teak adirondack chairs that can be left outside all year round. 

2. Add lights for warmth

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambience. Pick out a couple of architectural plants with uplighters to give added dimension to your garden, and add soft lighting around the seating area to cast a warm, inviting glow. Strings of festoon lighting can also help to demarcate the seating area, and will ensure you and your guests enjoy your fire pit well after the sun has set. For more outdoor lighting ideas, take a look at our blog on 7 Outdoor lighting ideas that will make your garden glow.

3. Create a winter wonderland

In the cooler months, embrace the crisp air by swapping cold drinks for hot chocolate around the fire pit. Encourage the family to gather outdoors, away from the screens, by bringing out the marshmallows and enjoying a moment of hygge together. You might consider building a permanent structure over your fire pit that protects you even more from the elements and allows you to enjoy being outdoors even when the temperatures are less than toasty.

 

Need help making a fire pit at home? 

If you are looking to embrace the outdoor living lifestyle, then a fire pit is something you need to consider. With thoughtful planning and design, your fire pit can become a focal spot in the garden, offering warmth, ambience, and a gathering place for family and friends throughout the year. As professional garden designers in the Cotswolds, we specialise in designing bespoke outdoor living spaces in the Cheltenham area that stand the test of time. Get in touch to discuss how we can help transform your garden into a year-round outdoor sanctuary.

More Projects